O'Driscoll Backs Munster

Munster completed their preparations for Saturday's semi-final with a final training (closed) session in Musgrave Park Cork today. They'll depart for Dublin tomorrow, expecting to arrive in Heuston Station sometime in the early afternoon.

They'll then go straight from the station to Croke Park for their Captain's Run.

And despite reports in the press today, that there was an injury doubt about Ian Dowling, the Kilkennyman took a full part in a robust session.

Meanwhile, the good news for Munster ahead of their clash with Leinster is that Mick O'Driscoll has accepted a new contract.

O'Driscoll (30) who has played in 17 of Munster's 24 competitive games this season, and captained the side on seven of those outings rejected overtures from French clubs to commit himself to Munster for the next two seasons.
Commenting on the news O'Driscoll said, "I'm delighted my immediate future in rugby has been resolved. I would like to thank Garrett Fitzgerald (Munster CEO) and all involved for their help in bringing the issue to a satisfactory conclusion at such an opportune time with Heineken Cup and Magners League matters very much my focus."

And Munster have confirmed newspaper reports that prop Timmy Ryan has agreed terms with the French club Toulon. Ryan turned down a lucrative full time Munster contract in favour of the French club. " While I believe it will benefit my game in the short term to experience a foreign rugby culture," Ryan said, " I would hopefully see myself returning to Munster at some stage in the future and continuing my career in what is a superb set-up."